The Black Cats were relegated after a disastrous Premier League campaign last season.

And they will be in the spotlight on Friday, August 4 when they host Gary Rowett's Rams live on Sky Sports.

Hull, who were also relegated, begin their mission to return to the top-flight the following day live on TV way to Steve Bruce's Aston Villa.

And then Leeds complete the opening weekend of televised fixtures when they visit newly-promoted Bolton.

The fixtures for the new Championship season have been released (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough , who dropped down to the Championship, will start life under new boss Garry Monk at Wolves on the opening day of the season.

Reading, who missed out on promotion via the play-offs, start their season away at QPR, while Harry Redknapp's Birmingham travel to Ipswich.

Sheffield United are back in the Championship and entertain Brentford in the opening game - but it's September 23 they will have their eyes on when they visit arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.